The Best Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade banana pudding recipe is a delightful treat that’s sure to bring smiles to your table. It’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a sweet snack.
– Creamy and rich****: Layers of velvety pudding and fresh bananas create a dreamy dessert you’ll crave.
– Easy to prepare****: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly and fuss-free.
– Crowd-pleaser****: Kids and adults alike will love its comforting, classic flavor.
Recipe
Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that’s creamy, comforting, and packed with layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and rich custard. This homemade version is simple to make and delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ cups cold water
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
- Optional: whipped cream and extra vanilla wafers for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cold water until well combined.
- Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes until thickened.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully incorporated.
- In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding mixture, repeating until all ingredients are used, ending with pudding on top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, garnish with whipped cream and additional vanilla wafers if desired.
Notes:
- For best results, use ripe but firm bananas to prevent excessive browning.
- The pudding will thicken as it chills.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Electric mixer (for whipping cream)
- Serving dish (trifle bowl or deep casserole dish)
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
- Chilling time: 4 hours
Cuisine: Southern
Serving: 8-10 servings
Nutrition
Banana pudding is a classic dessert that can be enjoyed for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional profile (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 60 mg |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 35 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my banana pudding with a fresh fruit salad—it adds a bright, juicy contrast to the creamy dessert. A dollop of whipped cream on top makes it even more indulgent, and I swear it tastes like a little slice of heaven. You can’t go wrong with either, but why not try both?
Fresh Fruit Salad
When I’m serving up a homemade banana pudding, I always love pairing it with something light and revitalizing, like a fresh fruit salad. It’s the perfect balance to the rich, creamy dessert. I focus on fruit preservation by choosing ripe, fresh ingredients, but I also enjoy playing with seasonal variations—think juicy berries in summer or crisp apples and pears in fall. I toss everything with a hint of citrus to keep it bright and fresh. It’s a simple, healthy side that complements the pudding without overpowering it. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
Whipped Cream Pairing
Though whipped cream might seem like a simple topping, it’s actually a game-changer when paired with the right desserts. For me, its smooth cream texture makes it perfect for balancing richer flavors, like homemade banana pudding. When I serve it, I love adding a dollop on top—it melts slightly, blending beautifully with the pudding’s layers. I’ve found that dessert pairings like chocolate cake or fruit tarts also shine with whipped cream. It’s light, airy, and adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite in my kitchen—it’s just irresistible!
